Day: February 6, 2024
On February 6, the parliamentary committees held another round of discussions on the new government program “For the Construction of a European State” and a joint hearing of ministerial candidates. The committees present at the meeting were: Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources; Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy; Regional Policy and Self-Government; and Finance and Budget.
The committees heard the candidate for Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia, the candidate for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze, and the candidate for Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili.
Notably, before the hearing began, Georgian Dream MP Nino Tsilosani asked the chairman of the joint committee meeting that if opposition MPs made any “defamatory or insulting” comments or questions, they would be asked to leave the room.
Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Economy, highlighted the nation’s economic performance, with a 7% growth in 2023 and his positive expectations for the GDP growth in the coming years. He emphasized “record-breaking” exports and tourism revenues, alongside “historically low” unemployment rates. Davitashvili outlined government priorities of poverty reduction, employment promotion, and enhancing competitiveness through reforms, with a focus on strengthening ties with the European Union.
Davitashvili also spoke about ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Anaklia deep-water port project, with plans to select a private partner and begin construction in 2024; completion of railway modernization and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway projects in 2024 to improve freight transportation between Asia and Europe; development of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi airports and construction of a new airport in Vaziani; and progress on the Black Sea submarine power cable project, including feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments.
Lasha Khutsishvili, candidate for Minister of Finance, emphasized the country’s focus on preparing its economy for EU membership. Highlighting recent economic achievements, including a 7% growth in 2023 and stable inflation rates, Khutsishvili underscored Georgia’s trajectory towards meeting EU standards, with per capita income projected to reach 45% of the EU median by 2024. According to him Georgia’s economy is characterized by robust economic growth, low inflation, manageable debt, and strong fiscal management, which position the country well for EU integration.
Irakli Karseladze, candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, outlined the government’s infrastructure plans for 2024, focusing on road development and water supply projects. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Rikoti highway construction and high-speed highway projects in Kakheti, alongside the Kvesheti-Kobi project. Karseladze also mentioned upcoming projects like the Rustavi-Sadakhlo and Rustavi-Red bridges. He also emphasized the completion of over 400 km of international and domestic highways in 2024.
Additionally, he discussed efforts to provide uninterrupted water supply to all Georgian cities by 2025 and highlighted progress in kindergarten and school rehabilitation projects. He concluded with updates on sports infrastructure development, including preparations for the 2025 Winter Youth Olympics.
More to Follow…
On February 6, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili delivered a final annual address in Parliament.
The President spoke about security challenges, focusing on Russia’s hybrid war, the ongoing occupation of Georgian regions and Russia’s war in Ukraine; the process of Georgia’s EU membership and the importance of mobilizing the whole society on this path; the challenges to Georgian democracy and the importance of dismantling the Soviet system and transforming the country “into a vibrant, successful, strong, European and democratic state”; and the importance of free and fair elections in 2024.
Salome Zurabishvili addressed various stakeholders: the government, the opposition, the diaspora and the youth. She sharply criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party in her speech.
Civil.ge compiled reactions to the President’s last address:
Ruling party
Irakli Kobakhidze, candidate for Prime Minister: “As for the President’s address, there was nothing interesting there. The only thing that was interesting was that she confirmed her plans which we have been talking about that she clearly is going to launch a pseudo political force in the middle [term used in Georgian politics to refer to those who are neither Georgian Dream nor UNM supporters]. To this end, she will resign in September and participate in the elections. This was the only interesting thing we could derive from her address. … The only person who should answer the questions is Salome Zurabishvili herself, who has distinguished herself by violating the constitution and acting against our statehood and European integration. She must answer the questions that Georgian society has for Salome Zurabishvili”.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party: “We can say freely that it was an address of a regular member of the radical opposition. In her lengthy speech there was not a word about any success of the country…Let’s put aside the domestic assessments. We may even be subjective. Every week, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other reputable organizations publish various research results in which there is not a field where we do not have progress. Nevertheless, the nominal president of Georgia did not say a word about the positive side. It was the speech of a regular opposition member who wants to lead some kind of opposition movement…”
Opposition
Tinatin Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement parliamentary faction: “I think we’ve heard much more courageous, clear and sincere messages from her now than in the past. One of them was about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s evil, malign influence, that he is the sole ruler, and that if Georgia wants to join the European Union, we should move from a one-person, one-party model of government to a coalition model. A change of government is essential for this, and I am sure that the Georgian people will change the government peacefully in the October elections.”
Giorgi Vashadze, MP from the opposition Strategy Agmashenebeli: “It is difficult not to agree with her assessments that there is the elite corruption in the country, and that people are extremely poor…Unemployment…Catastrophic migration [emigration]…This is what Ivanishvili and his party have brought. This is Ivanishvili’s gang running [the country]. This time the diagnosis was right, that it is Ivanishvili who is [responsible for] everything… I also agree about Kobakhidze as well…most importantly, I would like to positively assess the [President’s] call for the unity of the opposition.”
Salome Samadashvili, Lelo for Georgia: “I welcome the fact that the President’s vision is fully in line with Lelo’s, [emphasizing] that the European future and the destiny of our country will be determined in the upcoming elections. We have received a very clear message from her that the oligarchic regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili, with its corruption, its ties with Russia and its policies, is the main obstacle to the realization of the historic aspirations of the Georgian people… I think this should be duly noted by all Georgian citizens.”
Khatia Dekanoidze, Euro-optimists: “Very clear messages have indeed been conveyed, i.e. that the form of government that exists in Georgia is the hard oligarchic kleptocracy, primarily engineered by Bidzina Ivanishvili – a diagnosis clearly articulated by the Georgian President…She emphasized the presence of corruption and significant democratic challenges in Georgia… She mentioned everything… I think it’s important that the Georgian president talks about these issues so that the world audience can hear”.
This news may be updated…
Also Read:
On February 6, the parliamentary committees held another round of discussions on the new government program “For the Construction of a European State” and a joint hearing of ministerial candidates. The committees present at the meeting were: Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources; Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy; Regional Policy and Self-Government; and Finance and Budget.
The committees heard the candidate for Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia, the candidate for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze, and the candidate for Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili.
Notably, before the hearing began, Georgian Dream MP Nino Tsilosani asked the chairman of the joint committee meeting that if opposition MPs made any “defamatory or insulting” comments or questions, they would be asked to leave the room.
Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Economy, highlighted the nation’s economic performance, with a 7% growth in 2023 and his positive expectations for the GDP growth in the coming years. He emphasized “record-breaking” exports and tourism revenues, alongside “historically low” unemployment rates. Davitashvili outlined government priorities of poverty reduction, employment promotion, and enhancing competitiveness through reforms, with a focus on strengthening ties with the European Union.
Davitashvili also spoke about ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Anaklia deep-water port project, with plans to select a private partner and begin construction in 2024; completion of railway modernization and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway projects in 2024 to improve freight transportation between Asia and Europe; development of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi airports and construction of a new airport in Vaziani; and progress on the Black Sea submarine power cable project, including feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments.
Lasha Khutsishvili, candidate for Minister of Finance, emphasized the country’s focus on preparing its economy for EU membership. Highlighting recent economic achievements, including a 7% growth in 2023 and stable inflation rates, Khutsishvili underscored Georgia’s trajectory towards meeting EU standards, with per capita income projected to reach 45% of the EU median by 2024. According to him Georgia’s economy is characterized by robust economic growth, low inflation, manageable debt, and strong fiscal management, which position the country well for EU integration.
Irakli Karseladze, candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, outlined the government’s infrastructure plans for 2024, focusing on road development and water supply projects. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Rikoti highway construction and high-speed highway projects in Kakheti, alongside the Kvesheti-Kobi project. Karseladze also mentioned upcoming projects like the Rustavi-Sadakhlo and Rustavi-Red bridges. He also emphasized the completion of over 400 km of international and domestic highways in 2024.
Additionally, he discussed efforts to provide uninterrupted water supply to all Georgian cities by 2025 and highlighted progress in kindergarten and school rehabilitation projects. He concluded with updates on sports infrastructure development, including preparations for the 2025 Winter Youth Olympics.
More to Follow…
On February 6, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili delivered a final annual address in Parliament.
The President spoke about security challenges, focusing on Russia’s hybrid war, the ongoing occupation of Georgian regions and Russia’s war in Ukraine; the process of Georgia’s EU membership and the importance of mobilizing the whole society on this path; the challenges to Georgian democracy and the importance of dismantling the Soviet system and transforming the country “into a vibrant, successful, strong, European and democratic state”; and the importance of free and fair elections in 2024.
Salome Zurabishvili addressed various stakeholders: the government, the opposition, the diaspora and the youth. She sharply criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party in her speech.
Civil.ge compiled reactions to the President’s last address:
Ruling party
Irakli Kobakhidze, candidate for Prime Minister: “As for the President’s address, there was nothing interesting there. The only thing that was interesting was that she confirmed her plans which we have been talking about that she clearly is going to launch a pseudo political force in the middle [term used in Georgian politics to refer to those who are neither Georgian Dream nor UNM supporters]. To this end, she will resign in September and participate in the elections. This was the only interesting thing we could derive from her address. … The only person who should answer the questions is Salome Zurabishvili herself, who has distinguished herself by violating the constitution and acting against our statehood and European integration. She must answer the questions that Georgian society has for Salome Zurabishvili”.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party: “We can say freely that it was an address of a regular member of the radical opposition. In her lengthy speech there was not a word about any success of the country…Let’s put aside the domestic assessments. We may even be subjective. Every week, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other reputable organizations publish various research results in which there is not a field where we do not have progress. Nevertheless, the nominal president of Georgia did not say a word about the positive side. It was the speech of a regular opposition member who wants to lead some kind of opposition movement…”
Opposition
Tinatin Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement parliamentary faction: “I think we’ve heard much more courageous, clear and sincere messages from her now than in the past. One of them was about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s evil, malign influence, that he is the sole ruler, and that if Georgia wants to join the European Union, we should move from a one-person, one-party model of government to a coalition model. A change of government is essential for this, and I am sure that the Georgian people will change the government peacefully in the October elections.”
Giorgi Vashadze, MP from the opposition Strategy Agmashenebeli: “It is difficult not to agree with her assessments that there is the elite corruption in the country, and that people are extremely poor…Unemployment…Catastrophic migration [emigration]…This is what Ivanishvili and his party have brought. This is Ivanishvili’s gang running [the country]. This time the diagnosis was right, that it is Ivanishvili who is [responsible for] everything… I also agree about Kobakhidze as well…most importantly, I would like to positively assess the [President’s] call for the unity of the opposition.”
Salome Samadashvili, Lelo for Georgia: “I welcome the fact that the President’s vision is fully in line with Lelo’s, [emphasizing] that the European future and the destiny of our country will be determined in the upcoming elections. We have received a very clear message from her that the oligarchic regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili, with its corruption, its ties with Russia and its policies, is the main obstacle to the realization of the historic aspirations of the Georgian people… I think this should be duly noted by all Georgian citizens.”
Khatia Dekanoidze, Euro-optimists: “Very clear messages have indeed been conveyed, i.e. that the form of government that exists in Georgia is the hard oligarchic kleptocracy, primarily engineered by Bidzina Ivanishvili – a diagnosis clearly articulated by the Georgian President…She emphasized the presence of corruption and significant democratic challenges in Georgia… She mentioned everything… I think it’s important that the Georgian president talks about these issues so that the world audience can hear”.
This news may be updated…
Also Read:
On February 6, the parliamentary committees held another round of discussions on the new government program “For the Construction of a European State” and a joint hearing of ministerial candidates. The committees present at the meeting were: Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources; Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy; Regional Policy and Self-Government; and Finance and Budget.
The committees heard the candidate for Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia, the candidate for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze, and the candidate for Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili.
Notably, before the hearing began, Georgian Dream MP Nino Tsilosani asked the chairman of the joint committee meeting that if opposition MPs made any “defamatory or insulting” comments or questions, they would be asked to leave the room.
Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Economy, highlighted the nation’s economic performance, with a 7% growth in 2023 and his positive expectations for the GDP growth in the coming years. He emphasized “record-breaking” exports and tourism revenues, alongside “historically low” unemployment rates. Davitashvili outlined government priorities of poverty reduction, employment promotion, and enhancing competitiveness through reforms, with a focus on strengthening ties with the European Union.
Davitashvili also spoke about ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Anaklia deep-water port project, with plans to select a private partner and begin construction in 2024; completion of railway modernization and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway projects in 2024 to improve freight transportation between Asia and Europe; development of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi airports and construction of a new airport in Vaziani; and progress on the Black Sea submarine power cable project, including feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments.
Lasha Khutsishvili, candidate for Minister of Finance, emphasized the country’s focus on preparing its economy for EU membership. Highlighting recent economic achievements, including a 7% growth in 2023 and stable inflation rates, Khutsishvili underscored Georgia’s trajectory towards meeting EU standards, with per capita income projected to reach 45% of the EU median by 2024. According to him Georgia’s economy is characterized by robust economic growth, low inflation, manageable debt, and strong fiscal management, which position the country well for EU integration.
Irakli Karseladze, candidate for Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, outlined the government’s infrastructure plans for 2024, focusing on road development and water supply projects. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Rikoti highway construction and high-speed highway projects in Kakheti, alongside the Kvesheti-Kobi project. Karseladze also mentioned upcoming projects like the Rustavi-Sadakhlo and Rustavi-Red bridges. He also emphasized the completion of over 400 km of international and domestic highways in 2024.
Additionally, he discussed efforts to provide uninterrupted water supply to all Georgian cities by 2025 and highlighted progress in kindergarten and school rehabilitation projects. He concluded with updates on sports infrastructure development, including preparations for the 2025 Winter Youth Olympics.
More to Follow…
On February 6, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili delivered a final annual address in Parliament.
The President spoke about security challenges, focusing on Russia’s hybrid war, the ongoing occupation of Georgian regions and Russia’s war in Ukraine; the process of Georgia’s EU membership and the importance of mobilizing the whole society on this path; the challenges to Georgian democracy and the importance of dismantling the Soviet system and transforming the country “into a vibrant, successful, strong, European and democratic state”; and the importance of free and fair elections in 2024.
Salome Zurabishvili addressed various stakeholders: the government, the opposition, the diaspora and the youth. She sharply criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party in her speech.
Civil.ge compiled reactions to the President’s last address:
Ruling party
Irakli Kobakhidze, candidate for Prime Minister: “As for the President’s address, there was nothing interesting there. The only thing that was interesting was that she confirmed her plans which we have been talking about that she clearly is going to launch a pseudo political force in the middle [term used in Georgian politics to refer to those who are neither Georgian Dream nor UNM supporters]. To this end, she will resign in September and participate in the elections. This was the only interesting thing we could derive from her address. … The only person who should answer the questions is Salome Zurabishvili herself, who has distinguished herself by violating the constitution and acting against our statehood and European integration. She must answer the questions that Georgian society has for Salome Zurabishvili”.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party: “We can say freely that it was an address of a regular member of the radical opposition. In her lengthy speech there was not a word about any success of the country…Let’s put aside the domestic assessments. We may even be subjective. Every week, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other reputable organizations publish various research results in which there is not a field where we do not have progress. Nevertheless, the nominal president of Georgia did not say a word about the positive side. It was the speech of a regular opposition member who wants to lead some kind of opposition movement…”
Opposition
Tinatin Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement parliamentary faction: “I think we’ve heard much more courageous, clear and sincere messages from her now than in the past. One of them was about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s evil, malign influence, that he is the sole ruler, and that if Georgia wants to join the European Union, we should move from a one-person, one-party model of government to a coalition model. A change of government is essential for this, and I am sure that the Georgian people will change the government peacefully in the October elections.”
Giorgi Vashadze, MP from the opposition Strategy Agmashenebeli: “It is difficult not to agree with her assessments that there is the elite corruption in the country, and that people are extremely poor…Unemployment…Catastrophic migration [emigration]…This is what Ivanishvili and his party have brought. This is Ivanishvili’s gang running [the country]. This time the diagnosis was right, that it is Ivanishvili who is [responsible for] everything… I also agree about Kobakhidze as well…most importantly, I would like to positively assess the [President’s] call for the unity of the opposition.”
Salome Samadashvili, Lelo for Georgia: “I welcome the fact that the President’s vision is fully in line with Lelo’s, [emphasizing] that the European future and the destiny of our country will be determined in the upcoming elections. We have received a very clear message from her that the oligarchic regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili, with its corruption, its ties with Russia and its policies, is the main obstacle to the realization of the historic aspirations of the Georgian people… I think this should be duly noted by all Georgian citizens.”
Khatia Dekanoidze, Euro-optimists: “Very clear messages have indeed been conveyed, i.e. that the form of government that exists in Georgia is the hard oligarchic kleptocracy, primarily engineered by Bidzina Ivanishvili – a diagnosis clearly articulated by the Georgian President…She emphasized the presence of corruption and significant democratic challenges in Georgia… She mentioned everything… I think it’s important that the Georgian president talks about these issues so that the world audience can hear”.
This news may be updated…
Also Read:
Armenian and Azerbaijani 4th republics
Both in Yerevan and in Baku, discussions have commenced regarding the establishment of a fourth republic. “This is one of the slogans of the ruling party during the early elections in Azerbaijan,” stated political scientist Areg Kochinyan on Public Television of Armenia.
Kochinyan views this intention positively but suggests it should occur simultaneously in both countries. He acknowledges that this step alone won’t resolve all the existing issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan, yet he underscores:
“This could offer a promising narrative for peace. Considering that the third republics were characterized by conflict and mutual demands, this presents an opportunity to embark on new realities on a fresh page.”
The political scientist delved into the resolution of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, emphasizing the establishment of peace and the necessary steps to achieve it.
“The only viable option is coexistence with Turkey and Azerbaijan”
Political scientist Areg Kochinyan asserts that Armenia’s journey toward robust statehood necessitates coexistence with Turkey and Azerbaijan. He underscores that there’s “no one to hide behind.”
In addressing the resolution of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and the promotion of peace, he outlined three key areas for Armenia to focus on:
- strengthening the country’s defense capability, which includes acquiring weapons,
- strategic positioning within the region: defining Armenia’s identity as a state and clarifying its objectives with neighboring countries,
- implementing economic projects aimed at enhancing Armenia’s appeal as a partner to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
As part of positioning itself in the region, he also considers discussing the issue of a new constitution and its connection with the Declaration of Independence.
According to Kochinyan, the Declaration of Independence of Armenia addresses the recognition of the Armenian genocide, the fulfillment of the people’s aspirations, and the reunification of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. However, none of these points applies to the Republic of Armenia.
“Any state is established to ensure and guarantee the security, well-being, happiness, and freedom of its people. These four provisions are not present,” he explained.
He believes that if the Declaration of Independence does not pertain to the foundations of statehood and state goals, then the connection between it and the constitution should be severed:
“There is no process in the world for changing the Declaration of Independence, but there is a process for separating it from the constitution. This is what we need to do.”
At the same time, he warns that this is “necessary, but not sufficient” to establish lasting peace.
“Armenia faces a significant threat”
“Theoretically, at the moment, there is a greater danger of the dismemberment and absorption of Armenia within Russia or in the integration processes led by it than under the blows of Azerbaijan and Turkey,” Kochinyan said.
According to the political scientist, Russia poses the same threat to Armenia as Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Speaking about the new national security strategy of Armenia, Kochinyan emphasized that it should, first of all, be aimed at protecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and democratic path of the country, as well as creating “diversity in the security architecture.” According to him, this means not only improving relations with other partners but also leveling out the enormous Russian influence:
“All of our infrastructure, which is of critical importance – the railway, the gas pipeline, the electrical grid – is in the hands of the Russian Federation, there are Russian border guards at the borders, they have a military base here.”
Areg Kochinyan says changes should start with no longer having Russian border guards at Zvartnots airport and no more Russian state media in the Armenian public multiplex.
One-step solution or years of effort?
According to Kochinyan, many Armenian politicians seek a single transformative step to change the situation.
“Some propose creating nuclear weapons or becoming an ally of the United States. We’re seeking an elegant, one-step solution. But such a solution doesn’t exist,” he asserts.
He evokes Bismarck’s speech, echoing his words “with iron and blood” in Armenian politics, urging active and decisive actions.
Kochinyan is convinced that changing the situation requires concessions. When asked how many more concessions are necessary, he replied:
“As many as needed to preserve statehood. As a nation, we must decide our greatest need. Some say, ‘We’ll remain part of the Russian Federation. So what? What is statehood?’ There are 5,000 nationalities worldwide, but only 180 have statehood. There are 40 million Kurds, yet they lack a state. After statehood, everything else is of secondary importance, even third-rate.”
Armenian and Azerbaijani 4th republics